I Am The Game's Villain

Chapter 462: [Event] [Elven Utopian War] [4] Each Otherʼs Battles

In front of Central Vedeliaʼs tower, Celeste and the others waited. They stood in silence, casting occasional glances toward the entrance, hoping for any sign of the Heads and the representatives from the allied kingdoms. Hours passed and at last, the heavy doors swung open, and the envoys emerged.

The moment Celeste saw her brother, she broke away from the group, rushing to meet him. ”Any news about Father...?”

Evanʼs expression softened as he looked at his sister, but he shook his head regretfully. ”Nothing,” he replied.

Though Celeste had suspected her father was a captive of Utopia, the lack of information gnawed at her. She couldnʼt feel relieved despite her belief they wouldnʼt kill him. Yet, without proof, her worry was still there.

Seeing her crestfallen expression, Evan reached a hand to her shoulder, steadying her. ”We should return to Zestellaʼs borders,” he said quietly. His composure masked his own fears. Evan knew he couldnʼt afford to lose control, not with Zestellaʼs stability on his shoulders. The war demanded strength, and he wouldnʼt let his emotions weaken him.

Celeste nodded. Since the start of the conflict, she had been stationed at Zestellaʼs border with the Kingdom of Teraquins. Her brother had allowed her to fight, but only under strict conditions. She was to stay at the back lines, shielded by August and a detachment of guards, and to retreat immediately at the sight of any threat beyond her strength. The restrictions chafed, but Celeste understood the necessity. As the future Prophetess of Sancta Vedelia, she couldnʼt risk capture by Utopia-her role was too crucial. Still, the compromise allowed her some semblance of action, a way to stand with her friends, even if from a distance. ”Youʼre here again...?”

An irritated voice rang suddenly.

Reiner Dolphis glared at John, who stood a little too close to his daughter, his protective instincts on full display. ”Father...” Amelia sighed, casting a weary glance at him. She was used to her fatherʼs disapproval of John and had hoped he might soften with time. Yet, despite Reinerʼs watchful eye and his criticism, he hadnʼt outright chased John away. He begrudgingly tolerated Johnʼs presence showing trust he secretly placed in him, knowing John had saved Ameliaʼs life more than once. ”I wonʼt accept him just because he saved your life once or twice!” Reiner shot back with a glare at John.

In Adrianʼs absence-his son lying unconscious and unmoving for weeks now-Reiner found himself bearing the weight of decisions alone. His wife was still recovering, her fragile health forcing her into seclusion, and he couldnʼt bring himself to allow Amelia, his cherished daughter, to be whisked away. Not now. ”Father,” Amelia sighed. ”John is a Dukeʼs son, and I love him.”

If she was the sole heir, she wouldnʼt understand the importance of a political marriage but Amelia was convinced her older brother Adrian would return, and when he does, he will reclaim his place and status as Heir.

But in the case he didnʼt, then... she would accept her duty. But if thereʼs a choice, if there was a way forward with John, then why shouldnʼt she have a life with him?

She knew it was a selfish desire but still. ”He is the heir to the Tarmias Duchy, Amelia,” Reiner replied. ”A marriage with him would mean leaving your home, our home-and going to Celesta, where you would become Duchess of Tarmias.” ”Brother will wake up,” Amelia muttered, as much to herself as to her father. ”He will.”

If Adrian resumed his rightful role as heir, she could marry John without igniting a political stir. Though Reiner, too, wanted nothing more than to see his son awake and well, Adrian showed no signs of stirring, his condition was strange. They had tried everything-every healer, every remedy, yet his son remained locked in an unnatural slumber.

There was, perhaps, one last recourse. The Saintess of Celesta was rumored to have the power to heal even the gravest ailments, but reaching her seemed impossible. For one, she was rumored to be ʼdeadʼ-a matter cloaked in secrecy and, secondly, the political tension between Sancta Vedelia and Celesta made diplomacy an uncertain avenue. Much of the hostility stemmed from the arrogance of certain officials from Sancta Vedelia over the years, mocking Celesta as a lesser kingdom, a place of little worth. Reiner himself had, more than once, regarded Celesta with scorn. He now wondered if he would regret that prideful stance. He was doubting the next Saintess still affiliated to Celesta would grant the wish of one of the Heads of Sancta Vedelia. ”Where are we going?” John cut off Reinerʼs worries.

Reiner groaned. It was as though John expected Reinerʼs resistance to fade in time, as though heʼd already won. ”If you truly want to marry my daughter, then prove your worth. Serve on the borders of Dolphis,” he said coldly. ”I will.” John replied instantly.

Reiner left without another word, though a part of him was silently impressed. The Dolphis borderlands were no place for the faint of heart. They were under constant threat of invasion, especially from the Elaryon Kingdom, whose conquest had left the lands to the north in near ruin. ”Then Iʼll be going,” Amelia said softly, her arms wrapping around Celeste in a warm, lingering embrace. ”Be careful,” Celeste replied, clutching her tightly as if to anchor her for just a moment longer. As she pulled back, her gaze shifted to John. ”And take care of her please.”

John met her gaze with a serious nod.

Amelia smiled. ”You too, Celes. Promise me you wonʼt do anything reckless. Everything will turn out fine—youʼll see.” Yet, despite her encouraging words, her concern for Celesteʼs fragile state was visible.

Celeste hesitated, forcing a small nod. ”Yes...”

Turning next to Cylien, Amelia pulled her friend into a hug. ”Take care, Cylien.” ”You too,” Cylien replied quietly.

It was war so no one could be sure their friends would return alive.

With a final wave to the group, Amelia left, accompanied by her father and John. ”Are you sure you learned nothing about Amael, John?” Amelia asked with a whisper as they walked away. ”Yeah, I donʼt know where he is.” John said it again. He wasnʼt lying. ”But arenʼt you worried?” Amelia asked, puzzled by Johnʼs lack of concern.

Well, he was indeed concerned for him but now John had known Edward for years since childhood. Before Oryanna Olpheanʼs death, he had been the epitome of a future powerhouse and Leader along with Lucius Celesta among all of them.

And now after spending eventually more time after Edwardʼs merge with Nyr, he was even more convinced about his capabilities. ”He will be fine,” John said without hesitation. ... --

After Amelia and John left, Rodolf raised his body. ”What about me, brother?” He grumbled as he directed an annoyed look at Jefer. ”You and Cylien Elaryon will be defending Valachia,” Jefer replied. ”Eh? Me too?” Cylien asked, startled. ”Shouldnʼt I be with my people?”

She had been certain her place was on the front lines, reclaiming her homeland alongside her sister, Aerinwyn, and her older brother, Dentiel. The Elaryon Kingdomʼs reclaiming was a brutal battle-Aerinwyn and Dentiel fought bitterly against former allies, comrades lost to

Rolaemʼs betrayal.

Jefer shook his head. ”Itʼs a directive from the Queen herself.” ”Mother...” Cylien murmured, trying to understand the decision-or maybe she did. The

Queen, Namys, likely feared that Cylien might falter, unable to raise her weapon against those she had once known, who were now her foes.

Rodolf, misinterpreting her thoughtful silence, grinned and thumped a fist to his chest. ”Donʼt worry, Cylien. Iʼll protect you!”

Despite herself, Cylien felt a smile tug at her lips. ”Thank you, Rodolf,” she replied, amused by his earnest, if somewhat thick-headed, offer of support. She reached out and embraced Celeste one last time. ”Stay safe, Celes.” ”Take care of yourself,” Celeste whispered back, holding her friend tightly before they parted.

With that, Rodolf and Cylien joined Priscilla Tepes, who was preparing to depart. Just before leaving, Priscilla cast a piercing look toward Selene. ”Selene. Do not be reckless. Understood?” ”Yes, Aunt,” Selene replied, meeting her gaze with a nod.

Priscillaʼs gaze shifted to Victor, one of her promising students but right now her gaze wasnʼt the one of a teacher toward a student but rather an overprotective Aunt. ”And you-protect her with your life if you really want her. Am I clear?”

Victor smiled. ”Count on me.”

It seemed that Selene wasnʼt going to fight in her Kingdom.

Priscilla turned to leave but she hesitated when her gaze locked with Jeferʼs. ”Youʼre going back to Fangoria, then?” She asked.

Jefer met her gaze. ”I am.”

The lack of warmth, the void of any further words, stirred her annoyance.

Why did he become like this?

She bit back her irritation, feeling the familiar sting of disappointment. She knew how much he had admired Kleines and understood the toll recent events had taken on him. But still... did that justify this cold distance? This indifference toward her? ”You really donʼt have anything to say to me, Jefer?” She pressed, hoping for something- anything-to pierce his hardened exterior. ”...” Jeferʼs gaze remained silent. ”Fine,” she huffed, irritated. ”Just donʼt die like the fool you are.”

Without waiting for his response, she spun on her heel and strode off, Rodolf and Cylien following a step behind.

Cylien cast a quick, uncertain glance between Priscilla and Jefer, wondering about the strained connection she sensed between them. Rodolf, however, understood all too well; he knew precisely what lay unresolved between his older brother and Priscilla, and if he were honest, he found the tension between them more amusing than anything. Priscillaʼs gaze flicked to Rodolf, catching the glint of a smirk on his face. She narrowed her eyes, and he immediately looked away, wiping any trace of amusement from his expression. As they disappeared down the way, Jefer lingered for a moment, his eyes trailing after her with a flash of something unspoken. Then, just as quietly, he turned and vanished as well. Moments later, a figure appeared-Alector followed by Namys. Victor, who had been standing nearby, straightened. ”Weʼll be fighting in Elaryon, I assume?” He asked. It was the most obvious for him.

But Namys shook her head, her gaze shifting to Alector, who took a step forward to answer. ”Youʼll be fighting in Central Vedelia,” Alector said.

Victorʼs eyes widened at the unexpected response. Central Vedelia-the heart of the Holy

Tree, a sacred ground and the main target of Utopia. The stakes there were unimaginably high, and the battlefield among the most dangerous. ”Central Vedelia? I... donʼt understand,” Victor mumbled. Why were they being sent to such a front?

The time has come for the next Apostle of Nihil to be chosen.” Alectorʼs gaze met Victorʼs seriously. ”You are the one who holds the potential.”